“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
The attacks of September 11th have been the most devastating thing that has happened in my life. My heart still hurts thinking of those who lost their lives, both the victims and those in the armed forces fighting to keep terrorists at bay and I know our world has forever been changed.
I fully admit that I am ignorant to what is happening out in the world. I am blessed to live in a country that does not have desolate lands, a lot of poverty, disease, hunger or war on the street and I haven’t known a lot of tragedy in my life.
I haven’t dealt with abuse, don’t come from a family of divorce, haven’t lost a parent, have not been sick, never miscarried or lost a child. Sure, I’ve lost grandparents but they lived long, full, happy lives and of course pets…but I can’t call flushing a dead goldfish down the toilet real loss.
I’ve experienced job loss and financial hardship but have never personally experienced anything that shook me to the core.
I haven’t written about any of the heartless massacres that have taken place over the last many years. So many grievous, heart-wrenching and unfathomable acts of violence that have been carried out in places of learning, entertainment, recreation, healing, solace and safety. Places all of us visit and had no second thoughts about allowing our children or loved ones to do the same.
Of course each one of these tragedies have affected me; shocked me, sickened me and caused me to question humanity, but they never quite hit home. The Dark Knight Rises movie shooting caused me to stop and gawk in disbelief, questioning what people in this world are thinking and the tragedy that happened at a Sikh Temple only a couple hours away from our home saddened me and I prayed for those families affected by it, but I carried on with life.
Even this past week at a mall in Oregon confused me and made me wonder… but honestly I shrugged it off, “That won’t happen here,” I thought.
But what happened yesterday at Sandy Hook Elementary School…
Yesterday was different. They were children. Children!
This one hit home.
I don’t know why God gives and takes away. Why He allows terrible heartache and trials in one life and not others. Why He provides gifts and blessings for one and nothing for another.
“Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?” Isaiah 40:13
But I do know that God’s ways are best, His plan is best, His love never fails and He is still in control.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Last night I held my babies tight. I cried while holding them in my arms… so very thankful that I could.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Related posts/articles:
Columbine High School Massacre
Virginia Tech Massacre
Seattle Coffee Shop
Salon Meritage
Carson City IHOP
Carthage Nursing Home
I Spy God 